The process of buying packaging boxes is a complex one. Several factors and aspects come into play. Below are some of the significant elements to consider.

How to buy packaging boxes may seem like a simple question at face value; however, it is very complex. In this series, the articles will try as much to answer the question using relevant details. The main reason for the different ways of answering the question is that different people have varying needs.

Different packaging Levels

Packaging has two main goals; to advertise and protect. The marketplace and consumer appetites are becoming more and more demanding and complicated. Modern packaging has many ancillary components that many buyers do not consider.

Bringing products from the factory to the retail stores needs several packaging. The packaging types include;

• Primary packaging: The packaging type is necessary for housing the products directly. For instance, board games could have rigid packaging boxes as the first level of packaging.
• Transportation packaging: It is a level 4 packaging; its significance is the same as the primary type.
• Secondary Packaging: It is present on the primary packaging’s outer layer.
• Display Packaging: It is meant for display purposes.
• Protective packaging: The packaging type is best for product protection

Custom packaging/ Stock Packaging

Manufacturers often make stock packaging a premade option that it sells in standardized sizes and shapes. Stock packaging can include any packaging type. However, manufacturers offer finite shapes and size options, ensuring that it is not ideal for unique packaging goals.

The lack of uniqueness in the packaging ensures that people prefer custom packaging. Custom packaging fits one’s product design perfectly. However, custom packaging is a costly option. Many individuals in the economy today utilize stock packaging for specific products; boxes, jars, bottles, and containers are the standard stock packaging.

However, if you use stock packaging, like boxes or glass bottles, you can use custom labels to customize it. It means that custom packaging can come in during stock packaging.

Packaging Buying Procedure

There are four basic packaging buying phrases. They include;

• Discovery Phase

This stage ensures that you can determine your packaging volume, style, and types. You should also figure out where to find them by going through various packaging companies. The best company will help you get the packaging that meets your budget and needs.

• Pre-Production Phase

After deciding on the packaging volume, style, type, and company proceed to the next phase. It involves packaging decisions based on financials and creativity. The more thorough and detailed you are, the better the next stage will be.

• Production Phase

At this stage, production begins. Manufacturers use your packaging style, budget, and type to make the perfect packaging for you.

• Post-production

At this stage, you will get your packaging, where you will need to inspect it. If there are any additional requirements, you can ask the manufacturer for help. 

Factors to consider while buying packaging boxes

• Where to buy shipping boxes

One can buy the packaging boxes as a single unit or wholesale. Furthermore, there are present in many retail stores and online shops. For instance, you can search for Walmart shipping boxes to get one box.

Also, you can always search for shipping boxes near me on google. If you live in China, you can always get shipping boxes near you.

• How to buy shipping boxes

The process of buying shipping boxes may differ from one manufacturer and country to another. The best thing is that we live in a technological world. If you live in Hong Kong, you can always search for how to buy packaging boxes in Hong Kong.

Also, if you want to buy customized boxes, ask how to buy custom packaging boxes. Various online stores and suppliers can notify you of the best buying guide.

• Shipping box sizes

Manufacturers measure the shipping boxes using length, width, and height dimensions, L*W*H. Small shipping boxes have lower L*W*H dimensions compared to the large ones. Furthermore, the smaller a box is, the cheaper it will be.

However, the shipping box size you decide to pick should match your product’s needs. You do not want to have a too small or a too big box. Thus, consider your product needs before deciding on the box’s size.

Cost of the shipping box

In the market, you will find many packaging producers available. The different producers have different costs for the boxes. If you want cheap shipping boxes, make sure that they have high quality.

Also, if you want to buy packaging boxes in bulk, consider a producer’s minimum order quantity (MOQ). Those with high MOQ are more attractive as they offer a cheaper option.

How to Select Shipping Box Shape and Size

Manufacturers often make a standard shipping box from corrugated cardboard. The corrugated box allows you to choose the box strength and shape you need. However, your product’s weight and size should influence your box’s shape and size.

Some of the most common box shapes and size types include;

• Rectangular shapes: The rectangular one is the most standard in the market.
• Side-loading boxes: The boxes are thin and wide with a narrow side opening for unloading and loading items. They are best for shapes that are the same as a framed poster or photo.
• Telescopic boxes: They are perfect for long shipping items. One can also use them on objects that cannot fit in one box. It fits perfectly with other telescopic boxes, thus, ideal for tall and oversized items.
• Tall Boxes: They have a smaller width and length than the height. The box is ideal for shipping tall objects that cannot be folded and require to stay upright.
• Long boxes: They have a longer length than the height and width. It is ideal for shipping elongated objects.
• Multi-height boxes: Their design ensures that you can select between different heights while the depth and width are fixed. You can choose more than one flexible packaging height option.
• Cube boxes: They have the same length on all the sides. It has a square shape design.

Conclusion

The packaging box buying process needs extreme attention. Therefore, one must pay attention to the buying phase, packaging levels, shapes, and size. The above aspects can help with your buying decision.